Sandra Choi's guide to Hong Kong

Which are your go-to restaurants?

‘When I visit Hong Kong, eating is always at the top of my agenda. I spent my childhood here and the smells and tastes are incredibly nostalgic. I go back to the places I went to as a little girl. Chan Hon Kee in Tai Po is a popular local hangout, serving Cantonese food. You have to go early to beat the queues. I order the clay pot rice with meat and vegetables.It’s also a dish my grandmother used to make it for us.’

Favourite neighbourhood?

‘I love hanging out at PoHo in Sheung Wan. The streets are lined with artsy cafes, galleries and boutiques. For inspiration I seek out vintage haunts wherever I am for work around the world. I always find something – the only problem is shipping it all home.’

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How do you get around?

‘My grandfather was a postman in Hong Kong. As an outing at the weekend he used to take me on the Star Ferry and we would visit the post office depot where he worked. I now take my children. It makes me feel proud. The boat reminds me of a film set because everything has remained almost the same – like a moment frozen in time: the pillars, the steps, the staff on the ferry still wearing the same uniform. When I was a child the journey took around 15 minutes, now it’s just under 10 as a result of land being reclaimed on both sides of the harbour, so every second of the crossing should be treasured. To travel elsewhere in the city you should buy an Octopus card and use the MTR underground. It’s the most efficient way to get around.’

Best place to shop?

‘Star Street in Wan Chai is a great district with accessories boutiques and coffee shops. I get a thrill when I unearth a real gem in places such as Nlostnfound, which is full of quirky objects. I love seeing work from young designers as it makes me feel that the opportunities are endless. Eclectic Cool is a furniture store that sources well-known and undiscovered brands.’

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Short break out of town?

‘My family are originally from Sai Kung District. Our village is in Shap Sze Heung, approximately an hour’s drive from the city. My mother and father divide their time between there and the Isle of Wight. Shap Sze Heung is the opposite of the urban jungle, with a stretch of coastline and fresh seafood. It’s fascinating to see a very different side of Hong Kong and step away from the city into the peace of the country.’

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Where’s good for a smart jaunt?

‘I try to find time to have afternoon tea with friends. For a treat we go to The Peninsula, where they offer a traditional English service. I also enjoy staying at The Upper House. Breakfast on the 49th floor is a highlight, with panoramic views. I always eat Asian food, including dumplings and noodles, while my children have pancakes because they’re on holiday.’

Tips for a nice walk?

‘One hike that we enjoy doing as a family is the Ma On Shan peak, which means Horse Saddle mountain. It is one of the 10 main summits in Hong Kong. March is the best time of year to go to see the flowers in full bloom, including rhododendron, Chinese lilies and different types of orchids. The landscape is breathtaking, with outlooks over Tolo Harbour, which was once famous for pearl hunting. There is also a county park nearby called Pat Sin Leng, meaning Ridge of the Eight Immortals. It’s a physically demanding trail that takes about five hours.'

Your favourite lesser-known side of Hong Kong?

‘The city is surrounded by mountains, but it’s something that perhaps people don’t imagine when they think about Hong Kong. The neighbouring towns are very special to me as places where traditions are still respected and the sense of community is really important.’

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Any good antique areas?

‘One of the best streets is actually called Antique Street. Historically it was known as Hollywood Road and was one of the first roads to be built in Hong Kong. It used to be an area for traders and now houses lots of independent shops selling retro furniture on every point of the price spectrum. Hollywood Road has been used as a film location over the years, for example for The World of Suzie Wong.’

Great local food markets?

‘Lau Fau Shan is a small village in Yuen Long, New Territories, selling excellent seafood. Buy the fish alive in the wet market and take it directly to the restaurant nearby to be cooked.’

What’s the tastiest street snack to try?

‘Red-bean pudding is my all-time favourite food whenever I’m in Hong Kong. The chewy texture and the red bean take me back to my childhood.’

Classic restaurant to visit?

‘Jimmy’s Kitchen in the South China Building in Central is a Hong Kong institution and has been serving international food since 1928. The signature Sunday roast is fantastic and you can order dishes as diverse as bangers and mash and Chinese fried rice. It’s really the best comfort food in the city and the perfect cure for jet lag.’